Seal for container lids and container lids and container assemblies having same

ABSTRACT

A container lid has a top panel defining a top side and an underside opposite the top side; a channel extending annularly around a periphery of the top panel, the channel open toward an underside direction on the lid; and a first wiper seal and a second wiper seal protruding downward from within the channel The first and second wiper seals are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction. When the lid is attached to a container to close off a top opening, the first and second wiper seals contact a surface of a container rim such that the first wiper seal bends radially inward relative to the container rim and the second wiper seal bends radially outward relative to the container rim.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure is generally directed to containers and lids, and more particularly to a seal for container lids and to lids and container assemblies that employ the seal.

2. Description of Related Art

Cylindrical containers of different sizes are known in the art for holding and storing many different types of liquids, such as chemicals, oils, paints, industrial materials, and the like. These types of containers come in various shapes and sizes, including large fifty-five-gallon drums to small five-gallon buckets. Such containers are often constructed of a metal material such as steel, a fiber material with a metal chime around the top and a steel bottom, or a plastic material.

These types of containers include a removable lid, which is used to close off the open top of the container. The lids are typically formed from stamped metal or molded plastic. The lids are then secured onto the drums by a ring clamp or lock ring. Such clamps or lock rings have a channel to capture a rim of the lid-to-container interface. An over-center lever is generally used to draw the ends of the ring clamp or lock ring structure together.

A seal is generally created between contact surfaces on the rim of the container surrounding the top opening and on a portion of the lid. The ring clamp or lock ring can assist in maintaining contact between these surfaces. The surface contact around the perimeter of the container and lid aids in preventing the liquid stored in the container from leaking or spilling when the lid is clamped or locked onto the container. However, any imperfection or inconsistency in the contact surfaces or any failure to properly clamp the lid onto the container may allow liquid to unintentionally escape or leak from the closed container.

SUMMARY

In one example, according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a container lid includes a top panel defining a top side and an underside opposite the top side; a channel extending annularly around a periphery of the top panel, the channel open toward an underside direction on the lid; and a first wiper seal and a second wiper seal protruding downward from within the channel. The first and second wiper seals are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction.

In one example, the container lid can be formed of a plastic material.

In one example, the first wiper seal and the second wiper seal can each be formed as an integral contiguous part of the container lid.

In one example, the first and second wiper seals can each be formed of the same material, such as plastic, as the lid.

In one example, the first wiper seal and the second wiper seal can each be formed as part of a base layer of material disposed on a surface of the channel.

In one example, according to the teachings of the present disclosure, a container assembly includes a container having a side wall defining a top opening. The top opening is defined by a container rim at an upper end of the side wall. A lid has a top panel and a channel extending annularly around a periphery of the top panel. The channel is open toward an underside direction on the lid. A seal is disposed within the channel and has a first wiper seal and a second wiper seal protruding downward from within the channel. The first and second wiper seals are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction. When the lid is attached to the container to close off the top opening, the first and second wiper seals contact a surface of the container rim such that the first wiper seal bends radially inward relative to the container rim and the second wiper seal bends radially outward relative to the container rim.

In one example, the container assembly can further include a lock ring configured to extend around the container rim and lid and to secure the lid to the container.

In one example, the container assembly can include a lock ring for securing the lid to the container. The lock ring can clamp the lid onto the container, which can bend the first and second wiper seals.

In one example, a central portion of the first wiper seal can contact the surface of the container rim and a central portion of the second wiper seal can contact a different part of the surface of the container rim.

In one example, a free end of the first wiper seal can contact a surface of the channel and a free end of the second wiper seal can contact a different part of the surface of the channel.

In one example. a free end of the first wiper seal can contact an inner wall portion of the channel and a free end of the second wiper seal can contact an outer wall portion of the channel.

In one example, the surface of the container rim can be on a top edge of the container. The central portion of the first wiper seal can contact the top edge toward a radial inner side of the top edge and the central portion of the second wiper seal can contact the top edge toward a radial outer side of the top edge.

In one example, a free end of the first wiper seal can contact an inner wall portion of the channel and a free end of the second wiper seal can contact an outer wall portion of the channel. The surface of the container rim can be on a top edge of the container. A central portion of the first wiper seal can contact the surface toward a radial inner side of the top edge and a central portion of the second wiper seal can contact the surface toward a radial outer side of the top edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of a container assembly including a generic container, lid, and lock ring.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged exploded view of a segment of the container assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section taken along line 3-3 of the lid depicted in FIG. 2 and depicts one example of a seal or seal structure in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section taken along line 4-4 of the container assembly shown in FIG. 1 and depicting the seal or seal structure of FIG. 3 in a sealed arrangement.

FIG. 5 shows another example of a seal or seal structure in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosed seal or seal structure solves or improves upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other problems and disadvantages with prior known container assemblies. The disclosed seal or seal structure self seals when the corresponding lid is secured to a container. The disclosed seal or seal structure includes two seal elements that are arranged to deploy against and over a portion of the container rim when the lid is secured to the container. In the deployed arrangement, one of the two flanges is bent or flexed radially inward relative to the rim and the other of the two flanges is bent or flexed radially outward relative to the rim. These and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed unitary lock ring may become apparent upon reading this disclosure.

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show one example of a container assembly 20 of a type in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The container assembly 20 is depicted in a generic form in the drawings. In this example, the container assembly 20 has a container 22, a lid 24 closing a top opening 26 of the container, and a lock ring 28 securing the lid to the container. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the container assembly 20 and illustrates the unitary lock ring 30 closed or clamped around the perimeter of the lid 24 and the top opening 26 of the container 22 to secure the lid in place. FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of portions of the lid 24 and container 22 and the lock ring 28 in an exploded condition.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the container 22 in this example is a conventional plastic bucket and has a closed bottom (not shown) and a somewhat cylindrical, though vertically tapered, side wall 30 extending up from the closed bottom. The side wall 30 terminates at a top edge 32, which surrounds the top opening 26. An annular lip 34 protrudes radially outward from the side wall 30 at the top edge 32. The lip 34 and top edge 32 may be described as defining or forming an upper rim of the container 22.

The container 22 may each be constructed in many different shapes, sizes, and forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As noted above, the material from which the container 22 is made can also vary. The container 22 may be molded as a one-piece plastic structure, as in the present example. Instead, the container can be formed of multiple steel components that are welded together or otherwise suitably assembled or can be made from a fiber material with a steel bottom, a steel chime around the top opening, and a steel chime around the bottom, if desired. The shape and configuration of the upper rim, including the top edge 32 and the lip 34, can also vary from the example described herein and yet perform as intended. The below described lock ring 28 can be altered to accommodate different sized and shaped upper rim and lid features.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 24 in this example has a top panel 40 that is generally disc shaped and sized to cover the top opening 26 of the container 22. The top panel 40 has a top side 42 defining an upper surface of the lid 24 and an underside 44 defining a lower surface of the lid. The lid 24 has a lid rim 46 that extends around and is connected to a perimeter of the top panel 40 and in turn defines the outer periphery if the lid 24. In this example, the lid rim 46 has a channel section 48 that is contoured upward in the direction of the top side 42 and radially outward relative to the adjacent perimeter of the top panel 40. The lid rim 46 also has an annular flange section 50 extending downward in the direction of the underside 44 of the top panel 40 and from the adjacent perimeter of the top panel. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the flange section 50 is a downward continuation of a portion of the channel section 48.

In this example, the channel section 48 is contoured in cross-section. The channel section 48, as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, has a wall 52 that is a continuously curved U shape, which is concave in the direction of the underside 44 and convex in the direction of the top side 42. A channel 54 is defined on the concave underside of the wall 52. As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the upper rim, i.e., the upper edge 32 and lip 34 of the container 22, can be configured having a shape that corresponds with and fits within the shape of the channel 54. Thus, the upper rim of the container 22 can seat within the channel 54 of the lid rim 46.

As shown in FIG. 3, the wall 52 of the channel section 48 on the lid rim 46 has an inverted U-shape in cross section. The lid rim 46 has an annular inner wall portion 56 that extends around the top panel and protrudes upward from the perimeter of the top panel 40. The annular flange section 50 is a continuation of the inner wall portion 56 below the top panel 40. The lid rim 46 also has an annular outer wall portion 58 that extends around the lid rim 46 and that is spaced radially outward relative to the inner wall portion 56. In this example, the inner and outer wall portions 56, 58 are connected to one another at their respective upper ends by a shoulder portion 60 that bridges the space between the wall portions. The wall 52 is elevated relative to the adjacent portion of the top panel 40 in this example. The channel section 48 of the lid rim 46, i.e., the wall 52, inclusive of the inner and outer wall portions 56, 58 and the shoulder portion 60, combine to define the upwardly closed channel 54 under the lid rim 46 between the inner and outer wall portions. When the lid 24 is attached to the container 22 to close off the top opening 26, the top edge 32 of the container rim seats in the channel 54 as depicted in FIG. 4.

In this example, a seal structure or seal 70 is provided on the underside surface of the wall 52 within the channel 54. The seal 70 includes two sealing flanges, webs, or wipers that protrude in a downward direction from the wall 52 within the channel 54. The two wipers include a first or inner wiper seal 72 and a second or outer wiper seal 74. The inner and outer seal flanges 72, 74 are radially spaced apart from one another with the inner wiper seal disposed radially inward of the outer wipe seal. The two wiper seals or webs 72, 74 are resilient and flexible for reasons discussed below. In this example, the two wiper seals 72, 74 are formed as an integral, contiguous part of the lid and thus can be molded from the same process and the same material as the lid 24. As will become evident further below, other seal structures are possible.

In the disclosed example, the lock ring 28 is used to secure the lid 24 onto the container 22. The configuration and construction of the lock ring 28 can vary considerably and yet function as intended. Thus, the lock ring 28 Is only described generically herein. In this example, with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the lock ring 28 includes an elongate, discontinuous, circular, or ring-shaped body 80 defining a split ring structure. In other words, the body 80 has a split that creates a first end and a second end that can be separated or disengaged from one another when the lock ring 28 is in an opened configuration (not shown). The first and second ends are joined to or engaged with one another when the lock ring 28 is in a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. The lock ring 28 also has a lever 82 connected to the body 80, such as near the second end. The lever 82 can function having an over-center quality and is used to secure the first and second ends of the lock ring 28 to one another so that the body circumferentially clamps onto the container 22 and lid 24, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the disclosed example, the body 80 of the lock ring 28 has a somewhat C-like shape when viewed in cross section, as in FIG. 4. The body 80 has a wall 84 with an upper section or top leg 86 that is oriented generally horizontally in this example. The wall 84 of the body 80 also has a lower section of bottom leg 88 that is spaced from and below the top leg 86. The bottom leg 88 is also oriented generally horizontally in this example. The wall 84 of the body 80 also has a vertical leg or wall section 90 that extends between and connects the top and bottom legs 86, 88 to define the C-type shape. The wall 84 also includes an annular contact flange 92 extending around and protruding downward from an inner edge of the bottom leg 88, as shown in FIG. 4. The use herein of horizontal, vertical, top, bottom, and the like means only with reference to the normal, upright, in-use orientation of the container assembly 20, including the lock ring 28.

As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, the wall 84 of the body 80 can be formed with a rounded cross-section having no readily discernible horizontal or vertical legs, corners, or the like. Alternatively, the legs can be formed so as not to be specifically or precisely straight or linear and/or so as not to be precisely or specifically vertical or horizontal, depending on the particular needs of a given container and lid structure. The shape in cross-section of the body 80 is configured to clamp the lid 24 onto the container 22, as discussed further below and as shown in FIG. 4.

The C-shape of the body 80 of the lock ring 28 creates a ring channel 94 that is formed by a combination of the top leg 86, the vertical leg 90, and the bottom leg 88. The ring channel 94 concave in a radially inward facing direction. The ring channel 94 can be sized to forcibly or interferingly receive therein and snap onto the assembled combination of the lid rim 46 and container rim including the top edge 32 and the lip 34. In the disclosed example, the top leg 86 is slightly downturned at an inner edge 96. The inner edge 96 can be angled slightly downward relative to horizontal or relative to a plane of a majority of the top leg 86. The bottom leg 88 can be slightly angled downward in a direction toward the contact flange 92 to aid in attaching the lock ring 28 to the container 22 and lid 24, when assembled. The contact flange 92 can also be oriented at a desired angle relative to the bottom leg 88 so that the flange lies flat or flush against the side wall 30 of the container 22 when installed.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, when the lid 24 is placed over the top opening 26 of the container 22, the container rim, including the top edge 32 and the lip 34, are positioned under and align with the channel 54 of the lid rim 46. In this example, the top edge 32 of the container rim is formed having a curved or rounded surface 98, which can be similar to or mirror the shape of the channel 54. As the lid 24 is lowered on the container 22, the seal 70, including both the inner and outer wiper seals 72, 74 engages the surface 98 of the top edge 32 of the container. In this example, the seal 70 is centered within the channel 54 such that the inner wiper seal 72 bears against the surface 98 more toward the radial inner side of the top edge 32 and the outer wiper seal 74 bears against the surface 98 more toward the radial outer side of the top edge. When the lid 24 is pushed further onto the container 22, the seal 70 is deformed to create a liquid tight seal between the lid and container within the channel 54.

The positioning, length, and/or spacing of the two wiper seals are such that the inner wiper seal 72 deforms or bends radially inward toward the inner wall portion 56 of the wall 52 in the channel 54. The positioning, length, and/or spacing of the two wiper seals are also such that the outer wiper seal 74 deforms or bends radially outward toward the outer wall portion 58 of the wall 52 within the channel 54. The lock ring 28 can then be installed to secure the lid 24 to the container 22 and enhance the function of the seal 70.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the lock ring 28 is not attached to the assembled lid 24 and container 22, a vertical gap is defined between the free edge 96 of the top leg 86 and the inner edge of the bottom leg 88. The gap can be sized to permit forced attachment to the container and lid. When under no tension, the gap can be less than the distance between the assembled or installed combination of a lowermost free edge 100 of the lip 34 on the container 22 and the upper most point on the surface 98 of the lid rim 46. To install the opened lock ring 28 in this example, the body 80 can be forced onto the assembled lid and container rims. The gap into the ring channel 94 may be forcibly expanded, forcing the top leg 86 and bottom leg 88 further apart. The body 70 can be zipped around and snapped onto the assembled lid 24 and container 22 from one end to the other. This can be done until the top leg 86 of the body 80 snaps completely over the surface 98 on the channel section 48 around the lid rim 46, the bottom leg 88 of the body seats completely under the lip 34 around the container rim, or both. The lever 82 can then be utilized to close the lock ring 28 and secure the lock ring in place, as depicted in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the lock ring 28 is fully installed and the lever 82 is closed, the seal 70 can be maintained under compression. In other words, a clamping force may be applied by the body 80 between the top leg 86 and the bottom leg 88 whereby the clamping force clamps the lid 24 downward onto the container 22. The clamping force maintains the seal 70 in the deformed condition and forces a central portion of each of the wiper seals 72, 74 against the surface 98 of the top edge 32 on the container. The wiper seals 72, 74 can also have a predetermined or specified length to enhance the structure and performance of the seal 70. In this example, a tip 102 or exposed edge of the inner wiper seal 72 may, when deformed or bent, be configured to engage or contact the inner wall portion 56 of the wall 52 on the lid rim 46. Likewise, a tip 104 or exposed edge of the outer wiper seal 74 may, when deformed or bent, be configured to engage or contact the outer wall portion 58 of the wall 52 on the lid rim 46. The compression force applied by the lock ring 28 to the lid 24 and thus the seal 70 may be designed to maintain forced or compressive contact between tips 102, 104 and the respective wall portions 56, 58. This can create a seal 70 or seal structure whereby each wiper seal 72, 74 forms two separate seal points, one against the respective wall portion 56 or 58 and the other against the surface 98 on the top edge 32 of the container side wall 30.

FIG. 5 shows a modified lid 122 that is similar to the lid 22 in most respects. However, the lid 122 has a different seal 170 or seal structure. In this example, the lid 122 has a lid rim 146 with a channel section 148 that are essentially identical to the earlier described lid 22. However, in this example, the seal 170 is modified. The seal 170 has two wiper seals including an inner wiper seal 172 and an outer wiper seal 174. The shape and configuration of the wiper seals 172, 174 is substantially identical to the earlier described wiper seals. In this example, the wiper seals 172, 174 are formed from a different material than the material of the lid 122.

In the disclosed example, the wiper seals 172, 174 are carried on a base layer 176 that is adhered, attached, or otherwise connected to the inner surface of the channel 154. The base layer can be in-molded during molding of the lid 122 to be permanently attached to the lid. Alternatively, the base layer 176 can be chemically bonded, molecularly bonded, attached by an adhesive, or joined to the lid by other suitable means. The wiper seals 172, 174 can be an integral contiguous part of the base layer 176. The lid 122 can thus be formed of metal or a first plastic material and the seal 170 can be formed of a second, different plastic material or another suitable material. The seal 170 can also be formed separately from the lid 122 and then be adhered or attached to the lid. Alternatively, the seal 170 can be formed of a different material but during the same process. In one such example, the seal 170 can be over molded or co-molded with the lid 122.

The seals 70 and 170 can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as plastic, thermoplastic, elastomer, rubber, silicone compositions, or the like. In the disclosed examples, the seals 70 and 170 can be formed from a material that renders the wiper seals bendable or flexible and yet somewhat stiff and resilient. In this way, the wiper seals can press against the associated lid and container surfaces under compression and maintain a quality seal.

The disclosed seal configuration is described using only one example of a lid, container, and lock ring. As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure, the size, shape, configuration, fabrication materials, and the like of these various components can vary from the examples shown and described herein. The lock ring can be formed of multiple assembled pieces and from multiple different materials, can be formed as a one-piece unitary, molded plastic structure, or the like. The container and/or lid can also be formed of metals, plastics, or the like. The specific shapes and configurations can vary widely from the examples described herein. However, the shapes among the different parts should correspond to one another in order that the lid, container, and lock ring attach to one another to secure the lid to the container and to form a quality seal.

The disclosed seals and seal structures bear against the top edge 32 of the container rim to create a liquid tight seal between the lid 24 and container 22 when assembled. The disclosed seals can also bear against the inner surfaces of the lid channel to further create a liquid tight seal.

Although certain container assemblies, lids, and seal structures have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container lid comprising: a top panel defining a top side and an underside opposite the top side; a channel extending annularly around a periphery of the top panel, the channel open toward an underside direction on the lid; and a first wiper seal and a second wiper seal protruding downward from within the channel, wherein the first and second wiper seals are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction.
 2. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the container lid is formed of a plastic material.
 3. The container lid of claim 2, wherein the first wiper seal and the second wiper seal are each an integral contiguous part of the container lid and formed of the plastic material.
 4. The container lid of claim 1, wherein the first wiper seal and the second wiper seal are each formed as part of a base layer of material disposed on a surface of the channel.
 5. A container assembly comprising: a container having a side wall defining a top opening, the top opening defined by a container rim at an upper end of the side wall; a lid having a top panel and a channel extending annularly around a periphery of the top panel, wherein the channel is open toward an underside direction on the lid; and a seal disposed within the channel, the seal having a first wiper seal and a second wiper seal protruding downward from within the channel, wherein the first and second wiper seals are spaced apart from one another in a radial direction, wherein, when the lid is attached to the container to close off the top opening, the first and second wiper seals contact a surface of the container rim such that the first wiper seal bends radially inward relative to the container rim and the second wiper seal bends radially outward relative to the container rim.
 6. The container assembly of claim 5, further comprising: a lock ring configured to extend around the container rim and lid and to secure the lid to the container.
 7. The container assembly of claim 6, wherein the lock ring clamps the lid onto the container, which bends the first and second wiper seals.
 8. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein a central portion of the first wiper seal contacts the surface of the container rim and a central portion of the second wiper seal contacts a different part of the surface of the container rim.
 9. The container assembly of claim 8, wherein a free end of the first wiper seal contacts a surface of the channel and wherein a free end of the second wiper seal contacts a different part of the surface of the channel.
 10. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the free end of the first wiper seal contacts an inner wall portion of the channel and the free end of the second wiper seal contacts an outer wall portion of the channel.
 11. The container assembly of claim 10, wherein the surface of the container rim is on a top edge of the container, wherein the central portion of the first wiper seal contacts the top edge toward a radial inner side of the top edge, and wherein the central portion of the second wiper seal contacts the top edge toward a radial outer side of the top edge.
 12. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein a free end of the first wiper seal contacts an inner wall portion of the channel and wherein a free end of the second wiper seal contacts an outer wall portion of the channel.
 13. The container assembly of claim 5, wherein the surface of the container rim is on a top edge of the container, wherein a central portion of the first wiper seal contacts the surface toward a radial inner side of the top edge, and wherein a central portion of the second wiper seal contacts the surface toward a radial outer side of the top edge. 